Why You Shouldn't Use Vaseline For Eyelash Growth

If you want long fluttery eyelashes, but you keep making mistakes or are struggling with the upkeep of eyelash extensions, then you're not alone. There is a whole world of eyelash serums, oils, and products that claim to give you the long lashes of your dreams, but they can come at a price. Healthline pointed out that in the past, people have looked to Vaseline for its moisturizing properties to help improve the health of their eyelashes. However, there are real reasons why you shouldn't use Vaseline for eyelash growth. It may do wonders for sensitive skin, but Vaseline can be bad news for your eyelashes.

Dermatologist Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse explained to Bustle that your lashes grow in four to eight-week cycles. If they're constantly being pulled out or broken, they're likely to look more sparse. "Your eyelashes become brittle and fragile due to products like mascara or medicated eye drops that may dry out the hair or cause the lashes to break mid-shaft," she said. If you're looking to treat your lashes, you should consider what you use carefully. 

It's very likely that you grew up with Vaseline jelly in your bathroom cupboard. The company notes that their products are clinically proven to help heal dry, damaged skin. While putting Vaseline all over your eyelashes may make them look glossy, One Two Cosmetics noted that it doesn't make them grow and could be causing more harm than good.

Vaseline is great for locking moisture in your skin, and can be really helpful if the area around your eyes is dry. However, Unpublished Zine noted that "the petroleum jelly acts as a kind of plastic seal" that can be really good at trapping bacteria. This could lead to an eye infection. Healthline supported this by noting that no petroleum jelly product can make your eyelashes grow faster.

Byrdie noted that while slathering your lashes in Vaseline is a popular old wives tale, it could harm your lashes and lash line. Greatist explained that the rumors have been spurred on because Vaseline does give the look that your lashes are more luscious. However, the product won't help them grow. Unpublished Zine reported that a key concern with applying Vaseline to your lashes is that if you do it with your fingers or a brush that isn't totally clean, you could transfer and trap bacteria on your lash line.

However, just because Vaseline isn't the cleanest product to put near your eyes, doesn't mean you have to give up on your dream of long lashes. Dr. Ilyse Haberman, assistant professor of ophthalmology at NYU Langone, explained to Cosmopolitan that "lash conditioners may help strengthen lashes, prevent them from breaking, or lightly swell them so they look a little thicker," but they don't improve growth.

Healthline explained that it's very unlikely for people to have an allergic reaction to Vaseline, but you should speak to your doctor if you really want to use it on your eyelashes to ensure that you're doing it in a sanitary way.

There are other products out there specifically branded as promoting thick and long lashes. Dr. Hadley King told Byrdie that you should speak to your dermatologist about the best product for you. "The active ingredient in [many serums like] Latisse is bimatoprost, which has been shown in clinical studies to make eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker. It works by lengthening the time the follicle stays in the growth phase," she said. King explained that the product Latisse is seen by many experts as the "gold standard."

If you're wanting to give your lashes a little bit more attention, you have a few options. Bustle highlighted that vitamin E oil has been used in the past by influencers to improve lash health. However, science hasn't proven it promotes growth. Byrdie also recommended castor or coconut oil. King said there's no science to prove either oil will make your eyelashes grow, but the "hydrating properties of these oils may be helpful if your lashes are becoming brittle and broken."